Five Arsenal starlets who deserve a chance this season…
When you think about Premier League managers who put their faith in their youth, one of the first names that comes to mind is Arsene Wenger.
Over the years, we have seen a number of players come through the Arsenal ranks; from established legends like Tony Adams and Martin Keown, to more recent Premier League stars like Ashley Cole and Cesc Fabregas.
While this has slowed slightly in recent times as Wenger has brought in established foreign stars like Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, there are still some players in the Arsenal squad who show the North London club haven’t completely given up on the blueprint.
Hector Bellerin broke into the Arsenal side in the 2014/15 season and has gone on to make the right-back slot his own, whereas winger Alex Iwobi is currently the joint-top assist leader in the league despite only making two starts.
In a time when prices are inflated even for players destined to sit on the bench, many clubs may look to follow this example and turn to their youth.
So here’s a look at five Arsenal starlets who deserve a first team chance this year…
AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES
A number of Arsenal fans will recognise the first name on our list.
Maitland-Niles became Arsenal’s second-youngest player in the Champions League when he came off the bench against Galatasaray – aged just 17 years and 102 days.
After a taste of action, the 19-year-old moved to Ipswich Town on loan, where he established himself as a first-team member, playing 30 times and scoring two goals.
This year, the young midfielder will be staying in London, and Maitland-Niles will be hoping to give a good account of himself in any upcoming cup games with a view to getting some league starts later in the campaign.
JEFF REINE-ADELAIDE
After playing most of his football with the youth team last season, Reine-Adelaide will be hoping to make the step up this time around.
Blessed with quick feet and blistering pace, the Frenchman had played most of his football on the wings or up front.
However, standing at over six feet and relatively well-built, Wenger could potentially see Reine-Adelaide as a force to be played down the middle, more akin to Patrick Vieira or the player Abou Diaby could have been, were it not for injuries.
CHUBA AKPOM
Almost a seasoned professional compared to some on this list, Akpom may need this season to be the one he finally breaks through.
The striker, who turns 21 next month, has had loan spells at Brentford, Coventry and Nottingham Forest, as well as spending last season with promoted Hull.
Despite being prolific at all youth levels for Arsenal, Akpom has struggled for goals on his loan spells, with all seven of his professional goals coming in the 42 games he spent at Hull.
This season is make-or-break for the youngster, and if he can’t replicate his scoring touch in the Premier League, another drop to the Championship may beckon.
GEDION ZELALEM
Another player Arsenal fans have been getting excited about for a while now, Gedion Zelalem already has a year of professional football under his belt.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who has been capped for both Germany and the USA’s youth sides, spent last year on loan at Rangers in the Scottish Championship.
An intelligent player with a superb passing range, Zelalem has yet to find the consistency to match after struggling with injuries.
Perhaps with a few appearances from the bench or in the cups will allow Zelalem the chance to kick on and give Arsenal fans what they have been waiting for.
KRISTIAN BIELIK
The final man on our list almost found his way into the starting lineup against Liverpool on the opening day.
In the end, new signing Rob Holding partnered the more-established Callum Chambers with the Gunners losing 4-3 to Klopp’s side, although it could have been a different story with the Pole in the side.
Despite only being 18, Bielik has a calmness when reading the game and confidence on the ball, having been converted from a central midfielder since joining from Legia Warsaw.
Should Arsenal be hit with a defensive shortage again, the U23 captain may well be heading the queue to step in.